The Globe, Covent Garden

Tried to go here for lunch today. A friend had made a reservation by phone. We were told by an extremely unhelpful owner/manager that they don't take reservations on Saturdays, that we must be mistaken, etc. etc. No apologies for the confusion, no attempt to find out which barman had accepted the reservation, no suggestion that we might like to have a drink while we wait for a table to become free, etc., so we left. Clearly this pub has enough tourists and does not need your business, and will treat you accordingly.

26 Nov 2011 18:54

The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street

This used to be a favourite; I went last week for the first time in several years.

The interior is of course still as impressive as ever. The main change was that it was 2/3 empty when I arrived at 5.45/6pm, and as it filled up it seem to be mainly tourists rather than lawyers and city suits.

A pint of ESB and a bottle of Sol came to �7.85, and the ESB tasted badly-kept (usually I love the stuff). Far too expensive for poor quality.

1 Oct 2011 13:14

The Windmill Tavern, Waterloo

I can't see why anyone would go here, except perhaps for the convenience of the location, its outdoor tables in warm weather, or to watch bigscreen sport.

I went last Monday evening, about 7.30pm, and it was full enough for there to be few tables free. Of three bitters available on tap, one was already off by the time we arrived, and another was off by the time we were ready for a second pint. What sort of pub cannot keep two or three beers properly stocked on a relatively quiet weekday (Monday) night?

There's nothing really *wrong* with the place, I just can't see why anyone would go here instead of to some of the nearby alternatives, such as the excellent King's Head

25 Sep 2011 15:57